Keith Johnson

WWII vet, POW was avid traveler, storyteller. Keith Johnson, 82, of Washington, died Monday, November 24, 2008, in Humbert Lane Personal Care Home, South Strabane Township, following a three-month illness. He died peacefully, with his devoted and loving daughters at his bedside. He was born February 13, 1926, in Williamstown, W.Va., a son of Omer Dale and Lillian Alta Sweeney Johnson. Mr. Johnson entered the U.S. Army May 2, 1944. His specialty was parachute automatic rifleman. He was awarded the Purple Heart, European African Middle Eastern Ribbon, with two bronze service stars, Combat Infantry Badge, World War II Victory Medal and Presidential Unit Citation. He was wounded in action in Germany April 6, 1945. He was a prisoner of war and was honorably discharged January 6, 1946. He was a life member of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment Association, 82nd Airborne Division, the "Strike-Hold Devils in Baggy Pants." Mr. Johnson was skilled in road-building machinery and erection of shovels, drills and draglines. He was a field superintendent foreman and was employed by companies including Bologna Mining, Drummond Coal Co., Starnaggi Industries, Bucyrus-Erie, Marion Power Shovel Co. and S.J. Groves Construction. He traveled to Venezuela, Turkey, Pakistan, England and throughout the United States. Mr. Johnson was Protestant. He cherished his grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Mr. Johnson was an avid storyteller regarding his youth, travels and World War II. His two poodles, CoCo and Cricket, were his companions. Mr. Johnson was an honorary member of St. Mary's. He was a member of West Virginia Coon Hunters Association. Mr. Johnson had a great interest in collecting watches and Volkswagens. On July 12, 1947, he married Wanda Louise Craft, who died July 12, 2004. Surviving are two daughters, Paula (James) McDaniel of Washington and Tamara (Ken) Porter of Bradenton, Fla.; two grandchildren, James McDaniel and Emily (Rob) Bland; and a great-grandchild, Nila Bland. Deceased are a sister, Vera, and a brother, Dale. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 29. Entombment will follow in Washington Cemetery Mausoleum. Military rites will be accorded by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175.